US5716248A - Sacrificial anode for marine propulsion unit - Google Patents
Sacrificial anode for marine propulsion unit Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US5716248A US5716248A US08/510,810 US51081095A US5716248A US 5716248 A US5716248 A US 5716248A US 51081095 A US51081095 A US 51081095A US 5716248 A US5716248 A US 5716248A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- sacrificial anode
- marine propulsion
- outer housing
- housing portion
- propulsion unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H20/00—Outboard propulsion units, e.g. outboard motors or Z-drives; Arrangements thereof on vessels
- B63H20/32—Housings
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B59/00—Hull protection specially adapted for vessels; Cleaning devices specially adapted for vessels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H20/00—Outboard propulsion units, e.g. outboard motors or Z-drives; Arrangements thereof on vessels
- B63H20/32—Housings
- B63H20/34—Housings comprising stabilising fins, foils, anticavitation plates, splash plates, or rudders
Definitions
- This invention relates to a sacrificial anode for a marine propulsion unit and more particularly to an improved and simplified manner of attaching and replacing such sacrificial anodes.
- the components of marine propulsion units are made up of dissimilar metals. These dissimilar metals can come into contact with the water and set up a galvanic action. As is well known, these galvanic actions will cause the metal having the higher activity to corrode or dissolve in the water. The problem is particularly acute in conjunction with propulsion units that are operated in marine or salt water environments.
- the efficiency of the sacrificial anode and its usefulness requires that the sacrificial anode be periodically inspected and replaced when it has dissolved to such an extent that it may no longer be effective.
- mount the sacrificial anode in an area of the propulsion unit where it can be easily viewed and replaced.
- mount the sacrificial anode either in proximity to or as a part of the trim tab of the marine propulsion unit.
- Trim tabs are well known and are utilized to assist in steering and to counter balance the side thrust generated by the propeller. In fact, arrangements have been proposed wherein the trim tab itself functions as the sacrificial anode.
- This double utilization has a number of disadvantages.
- the painting provides protection against corrosion and also provides a better appearance.
- painting of the sacrificial anode renders it incapable of performing its intended purpose.
- the mounting of the trim tab and its angle is normally fixed or predetermined by the construction of the outboard motor. If, however, the trim tab forms the anode, then its disassembly and replacement requires subsequent adjustment. Furthermore, as the trim tab dissolves, its effectiveness will degenerate.
- trim tab is normally mounted onto the propulsion unit from the underside thereof. This makes it very difficult to replace the trim tab when the propulsion unit is mounted on the hull of the watercraft and when the watercraft is operating in the body of water.
- threaded fasteners are frequently utilized for this purpose. However, if the threaded fastener is exposed, then it can cause undesirable drag and adversely affect the operation of the propulsion unit.
- the lower unit of marine propulsion units are comprised of a two-part construction, the lower of which may be replaceable and used to permit a common casing to be employed for propulsion units having different capacities. That is, the upper or outer drive shaft housing portion may be common for a variety of propulsion units while the lower unit can be replaced to accommodate varying capacities. With this arrangement, the mounting of the trim tab and associated anode structure can present some difficulties.
- the marine propulsion unit is a comprised of an outer housing portion that operates at least in part below the water level.
- the outer housing portion provides a trim tab that depends therefrom.
- a sacrificial anode is juxtaposed to the trim tab.
- Threaded fastening means accessible from the area of the outer housing portion above the trim tab are provided for detachably connecting at least the sacrificial anode to the outer housing portion.
- FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a marine propulsion unit and accompanying watercraft, shown partially and in phantom, constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the lower unit portion showing the trim tab, sacrificial anode and attachment therebetween.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4--4 of FIG. 3.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, in part similar to FIG. 2, and shows another embodiment of the invention.
- an outboard motor constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is identified generally by the reference numeral 11.
- the outboard motor 11 is attached to a transom 12 of an associated watercraft 13 which are shown partially and in phantom.
- transom 12 of an associated watercraft 13 which are shown partially and in phantom.
- outboard drives or “marine” propulsion units in the specification and claims hereof.
- the outboard motor 11 is comprised of a power head, indicated generally by the reference numeral 12, which is comprised of an outer protective cowling consisting of a lower tray portion 13 and an upper main cowling portion 14.
- the tray portion 13 may be formed from aluminum or aluminum alloy.
- the main cover portion 14 is formed from a lighter weight material, such as a molder fiberglass reinforced plastic or the like, and is detachably connected to the tray portion 13 in a known manner.
- An internal combustion engine (not shown) is encircled by the protective cowling and completes the power head 12. As is typical with outboard motor practice, the engine is positioned within the protective cowling so that its output shaft rotates about a vertically extending axis. The vertical disposition of the output shaft of the engine of the power head 12 facilitates attachment to a drive shaft (not shown) that depends into and is rotatably journaled within a drive shaft housing, indicated generally by the reference numeral 15.
- the drive shaft housing 15 includes, among other things, an outer housing 16 which is formed from a casting of a light weight metal, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy.
- the afore-noted drive shaft depends into a lower unit, indicated generally by the reference numeral 17 and which has an upper portion 18 that is complementary in shape to the lower portion of the drive shaft housing outer casing 16 and is detachably connected thereto in a manner which will be described.
- the drive shaft continues into this lower unit casing 17, which may be formed from the same material as the casing 16 of the drive shaft housing 15 and drives a forward, neutral, reverse transmission, of a known type, contained therein. This transmission transfers power to a propeller 19 for propelling the associated watercraft 13.
- the lower unit 17 is provided with an anti-cavitation plate 21 that extends generally horizontally and extends rearwardly over the upper portion of the propeller 19.
- an anti-cavitation plate 21 that extends generally horizontally and extends rearwardly over the upper portion of the propeller 19.
- a trim tab 22 which is mounted, in a manner to be described and which functions to counter-balance some of the side thrust generated by the propeller 19 so as to assist in steering, as is well known in this art.
- a steering shaft 23 is affixed to the drive shaft housing 15 by means including lower brackets 24 and upper brackets (not shown). This steering shaft 23 is rotatably journaled within a swivel bracket 25 for steering movement of the outboard motor 11 relative to the swivel bracket 25 in a manner well known in this art.
- the swivel bracket 25 is, in turn, pivotally connected by means of a pivot pin 26 to a clamping bracket 27.
- This pivotal connection permits tilt and trim movement of the outboard motor 11 relative to the transom 12 of the associated watercraft.
- the clamping bracket 27 carries device 28 for detachable connection of the outboard motor 11 to the transom in a manner well known in this art.
- the tilt and trim movement may be controlled at least, in part, by a hydraulic cylinder assembly 29 that is interposed between the clamping bracket 27 and the swivel bracket 25.
- the foregoing description of the outboard motor 11 has been primarily for the purpose of permitting those skilled in the art to understand the environment in which the invention is practiced.
- the invention deals with a sacrificial anode assembly, indicated generally by the reference numeral 31, its manner of attachment to the lower unit 17 and replacement and the manner in which the trim tab 22 is affixed to the lower unit 17 and its relationship to the sacrificial anode 31.
- the drive shaft housing outer casing 16 has a plurality of downwardly extending projections 32, only one of which appears in the figures.
- the outer casing 18 of the lower unit has a plurality of bosses that are formed with bores 33 that aligned with the projections 32.
- the projections 32 are formed with tapped openings. Threaded fasteners 34 are passed through openings formed by an open lower cavity 35 of the lower unit casing 18 so as to fix these components together.
- the lower unit casing 18 has bosses 36 with tapped openings to which a flange 37 of the trim tab 22 is attached by fasteners 38. This permits adjustment in the angular position of the trim tab.
- the lower unit casing 18 is provided with a transversely extending opening 39 which is defined in part by a lower wall 41 from which the boss 36 extends.
- the sacrificial anode 31 is received in this opening. This exposes the opposite faces of the anode 31 directly to the body of water in which the watercraft is operating through the end openings 42 thereof.
- the opening 39 is further defined by a horizontally extending wall 43 of the lower unit casing 18 which lies below a cavity 44.
- the cavity 44 in turn, mates with a cavity 45 formed in the drive shaft housing outer casing 16.
- a substantially horizontally disposed surface 46 of the drive shaft housing outer casing 16 overlies this cavity 45 and is provided with an opening 47 in which a removable closure plug 48 is detachably positioned.
- the closure plug 48 is formed from an elastic material and may be easily inserted and removed so as to access the cavities 45 and 46.
- the sacrificial anode 31 is formed with a tapped opening through which a threaded fastener 49 extends with the head of the threaded fastener engaging the surface 45 so as to rigidly affix the sacrificial anode 31 in the opening 39.
- the sacrificial anode 31 may be easily removed on tilting the outboard motor up by removal of the plug 48 and unscrewing of the fastener 49.
- this attachment is from above and also the threaded fastener is not exposed so that it will offer any drag to the operation of the outboard motor as it passes through the body of water and propelling the watercraft.
- FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the invention which is generally the same as the embodiment previously described and, for that reason, where components are the same or substantially the same, they have been identified by the same referenced numerals.
- This embodiment is of a type wherein the lower unit 17 and specifically its outer casing 18 may be more readily replaced to accommodate larger propulsion units and wherein the trim tab, again indicated by the reference numeral 42, is detachably connected to the sacrificial anode, indicated by the reference numeral 101 in this figure.
- this construction avoids the necessity for having the separate opening 39 in the lower unit casing 18.
- the sacrificial anode 101 has a recess in which a projection 102 of the trim tab 22 is received so as to non-rotatably connect these two elements.
- Threaded fasteners 103 are threaded through the sacrificial anode 101 and into tapped openings in the trim tab 22 to complete the attachment. It should be noted, the connection permits a portion of the sacrificial anode 101 to directly contact the body of water and, hence, water can fill the cavity 35 in this embodiment.
- a threaded fastener 104 passes through the wall 43 at the lower end of the cavity 44 and is tapped into a tapped opening formed in the sacrificial anode 101.
- a drilled portion 105 is formed in the trim tab 22 so as to clear the end of the fastener 104, but there is no threaded connection in this area.
- the trim tab 22 is connected to the anode 101 and the anode 101 is connected to the lower unit casing 18.
- the trim tab 22 and anode 101 may both be removed by removal of the fastener 104. Again, this removal is from above and, thus, no fastener is protruded into the water stream.
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Prevention Of Electric Corrosion (AREA)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP20457894A JP3465855B2 (ja) | 1994-08-05 | 1994-08-05 | 船外機のアノード取付構造 |
JP6-204578 | 1994-08-05 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US5716248A true US5716248A (en) | 1998-02-10 |
Family
ID=16492794
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/510,810 Expired - Fee Related US5716248A (en) | 1994-08-05 | 1995-08-03 | Sacrificial anode for marine propulsion unit |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5716248A (ja) |
JP (1) | JP3465855B2 (ja) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1000852A1 (en) | 1998-11-09 | 2000-05-17 | Brunswick Corporation | Apparatus and method for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface |
US6173669B1 (en) | 1999-10-14 | 2001-01-16 | Brunswick Corporation | Apparatus and method for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface |
US6547952B1 (en) | 2001-07-13 | 2003-04-15 | Brunswick Corporation | System for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface |
US20060065550A1 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2006-03-30 | Mohammed Ali | Marine anode with current tester |
US7131877B1 (en) * | 2004-03-24 | 2006-11-07 | Brunswick Corporation | Method for protecting a marine propulsion system |
US7211173B1 (en) | 2003-07-29 | 2007-05-01 | Brunswick Corporation | System for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface |
US20100252424A1 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2010-10-07 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Sacrificial electrode mounting structure |
US8118983B1 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2012-02-21 | Brunswick Corporation | System for inhibiting corrosion of submerged components in a marine propulsion system |
US20120073961A1 (en) * | 2010-09-28 | 2012-03-29 | Showa Corporation | Electric Corrosion Preventing Structure of Marine Vessel Propelling Machine |
US9758879B1 (en) | 2014-01-31 | 2017-09-12 | Brp Us Inc. | Corrosion prevention assembly |
CN107672770A (zh) * | 2017-11-01 | 2018-02-09 | 中国人民解放军海军工程大学 | 一种舵防腐蚀电极的安装结构 |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4709686B2 (ja) * | 2006-04-28 | 2011-06-22 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | 船外機 |
JP6413909B2 (ja) * | 2015-04-23 | 2018-10-31 | スズキ株式会社 | 船外機 |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4549949A (en) * | 1984-06-07 | 1985-10-29 | Outboard Marine Corporation | Marine propulsion device including cathodic protection |
US4604068A (en) * | 1984-09-10 | 1986-08-05 | Outboard Marine Corporation | Marine propulsion device lower unit including propeller bearing member anode |
US4615684A (en) * | 1983-07-28 | 1986-10-07 | Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Device for precluding electrolytic corrosion of a marine propulsion apparatus |
US5238433A (en) * | 1991-06-10 | 1993-08-24 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Cover for the inboard-outboard motor |
US5425663A (en) * | 1992-05-27 | 1995-06-20 | Brunswick Corporation | Counter-rotating surfacing marine drive with planing plate |
-
1994
- 1994-08-05 JP JP20457894A patent/JP3465855B2/ja not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1995
- 1995-08-03 US US08/510,810 patent/US5716248A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4615684A (en) * | 1983-07-28 | 1986-10-07 | Sanshin Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Device for precluding electrolytic corrosion of a marine propulsion apparatus |
US4549949A (en) * | 1984-06-07 | 1985-10-29 | Outboard Marine Corporation | Marine propulsion device including cathodic protection |
US4604068A (en) * | 1984-09-10 | 1986-08-05 | Outboard Marine Corporation | Marine propulsion device lower unit including propeller bearing member anode |
US5238433A (en) * | 1991-06-10 | 1993-08-24 | Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha | Cover for the inboard-outboard motor |
US5425663A (en) * | 1992-05-27 | 1995-06-20 | Brunswick Corporation | Counter-rotating surfacing marine drive with planing plate |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1000852A1 (en) | 1998-11-09 | 2000-05-17 | Brunswick Corporation | Apparatus and method for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface |
US6209472B1 (en) | 1998-11-09 | 2001-04-03 | Brunswick Corporation | Apparatus and method for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface |
US6173669B1 (en) | 1999-10-14 | 2001-01-16 | Brunswick Corporation | Apparatus and method for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface |
US6547952B1 (en) | 2001-07-13 | 2003-04-15 | Brunswick Corporation | System for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface |
US7211173B1 (en) | 2003-07-29 | 2007-05-01 | Brunswick Corporation | System for inhibiting fouling of an underwater surface |
US7131877B1 (en) * | 2004-03-24 | 2006-11-07 | Brunswick Corporation | Method for protecting a marine propulsion system |
US20060065550A1 (en) * | 2004-09-24 | 2006-03-30 | Mohammed Ali | Marine anode with current tester |
US7264697B2 (en) | 2004-09-24 | 2007-09-04 | California Corrosion Concepts, Inc. | Marine anode with current tester |
US20100252424A1 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2010-10-07 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Sacrificial electrode mounting structure |
US8147658B2 (en) * | 2009-04-06 | 2012-04-03 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Sacrificial electrode mounting structure |
US8118983B1 (en) | 2010-01-15 | 2012-02-21 | Brunswick Corporation | System for inhibiting corrosion of submerged components in a marine propulsion system |
US20120073961A1 (en) * | 2010-09-28 | 2012-03-29 | Showa Corporation | Electric Corrosion Preventing Structure of Marine Vessel Propelling Machine |
US8377266B2 (en) * | 2010-09-28 | 2013-02-19 | Showa Corporation | Electric corrosion preventing structure of marine vessel propelling machine |
US9758879B1 (en) | 2014-01-31 | 2017-09-12 | Brp Us Inc. | Corrosion prevention assembly |
CN107672770A (zh) * | 2017-11-01 | 2018-02-09 | 中国人民解放军海军工程大学 | 一种舵防腐蚀电极的安装结构 |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JPH0848289A (ja) | 1996-02-20 |
JP3465855B2 (ja) | 2003-11-10 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SANSHIN KOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NAKAMURA, DAISUKE;REEL/FRAME:007788/0376 Effective date: 19950808 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20100210 |